Reverse heat thermo-pumps, are marine air conditioning units available on a houseboat that are efficient replacements to the conventional Coleman style roof-mounted marine air conditioners. Their installation procedure is much more easier and they provide more temperature-efficiency than the conventional air-conditioners. These thermo-pumps are approximately 3.5 times more heat efficient in the heat-mode than the conventional models.

The heat pumps are great temperature control devices that can be used on a houseboat. Heat pumps can take away heat from a ‘source’ and takes the heat to a ‘heat sink’ doing mechanical work in this heat transfers. Reverse heat thermo pumps can operate in either direction of the heat. These thermo-pump units are best suited for houseboats because they provide the most effective heating and cooling solutions. More than one unit can also be installed to meet the specific temperature requirements.

A conventional heat pump system is comprised of an air-heat-exchange unit and a condensate pump unit. The heat-exchange unit is generally located in the crawl (hull) area of the houseboat . The condensing unit is generally placed in the hull or roof of the boat. The condensate pump removes the water acquired while the workings of the heat pump. The process is known as a dehumidification process.

Installation of the thermo-pumps only requires simple tools to install and installation manuals are always provided along with the thermo-pumps. The operation of the thermo-pumps is relatively quiet, which is of course an extra advantage. Also maintaining a thermostat unit along with the heat exchange unit is a good idea. The thermostat readings can serve as good reminder to plan the maintenance of the pump.

The maintenance of a thermal pump is not any way arduous. The main maintenance issues a thermal pump faces are accumulation of algae in the pump reservoir, accumulation of dirt in the pipelines, the ‘freezing up’ of the pump, and changing of the filters in the return-air filter grilles of the boat.  The algae problem can easily be treated by an algae-killing tablet or by the use of bleach. To prevent accumulation of dirt the motor unit on the stern should be washed with running water occasionally. It is IMPORTANT to cut off the electric supply of the boat before doing so. Water will help the motor unit to cool down also.

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